Helichrysum hebelepis old stem, young branch

Helichrysum hebelepis old stems may become bare and woody lower down as their old leaves disappear. By contrast, the young branch emerges from it fully covered in leaves, before elongation reveals some stem parts among the leaves.

This plant is unpalatable, usually shunned by game and stock (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; JSTOR; iNaturalist).